Page 137 of How Good It Was (Excess All Areas 3)

“Isn’t that what Luke and Willow thought they were doing? Now, look at them. She’s pregnant and they’re building a life together. Nothing casual about that.”

“Fair point. But we aren’t talking about them, we’re talking about you.”

Her answer was delayed a little. Something she explained happened as she made sense of the words she’d caught lip reading and that her hearing aids had helped her catch. “We’re not.”

“Let me help you.”

Zoe’s jaw dropped open. “Eew. Are you suggesting some friends with benefits arrangement? Because that’s pretty bleak.”

Alex laughed.

“I should be offended that the idea of sex with me would be so horrific. I’ve been told on numerous occasions that I’m pretty good at it. But I’m pretty sure our tastes wouldn’t run the same way”.

“I caught about half of that, but if that’s your idea of flirting, it needs work.”

“Goddamn. I’m not flirting with you.”

Zoe bit down on her lower lip. “Good.”

“I meant I could help you find dates. Hook ups. Look, we’re about to go on tour together, and I know you’re coming with Cerys. Let me be your wingman.”

“Let you be my what?”

“Wingman.”

“I appreciate the offer, but no.”

Alex rested his elbow on the table. “I’m doing it.”

“You’re not.”

“One hundred quid says I can hook you up before the end of the tour.”

Zoe laughed. “The last time you bet someone a hundred quid, he ended up knocking up America’s sweetheart, and they are both standing right over there.”

They looked to where Luke was kissing Willow, his hands cupping her face.

He saw the way she softened as she looked at them, and quickly typed a message on his phone. Yes, but I know you see how happy they are. Take the bet, Zoe. A hundred quid. If you are so sure that I can’t find the perfect guy for you to hook up with by the end of the tour, then you don’t risk anything by accepting the bet.

Zoe’s eyes skimmed over the text. “Fine. But no weirdos. No beards. Makes lip-reading harder.”

“No weirdos. No beardos.”

“Exactly.”

While he was looking forward to the tour, he’d also been very aware that most of the band would be travelling with their partners, leaving him wondering what the tour would be like for him. Now, he had something to occupy his time.

He tilted his pint glass towards her glass of champagne. “Let Operation Hook Zoe Up begin.”

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